Hey Roughneck, yes, you can learn to place gear and make safe anchors for free. Like Doc Martin said, just go and hang out at Hidden Valley Campground. Find someone who has a rack, has no partner, and wants to climb. Tell him (or her) that you can follow 5.10, and go have fun. You'll learn to lead in a day by watching leaders—it's not a big deal.

Then you can blow all of your hard-earned money buying your own rack, and, Voila!, you're a broke, dirtbag, trad climber.

Lets get a pool going. 5 bucks on the runaway husband. Any takers for underage runaway?

Roughneck, go for it. 5.9 josh slab is comparable to most gym climbs ive done ;) (but actually, hidden valley or indian cove would be great places to try. for starters, if youve only got one day, i might head toward Indian cove. lots of moderates, nice people avoiding the crowds of hidden valley areas.. Who knows, you might just find somebody willing to share some knowledge. Keep an open mind, and stay humble. If you dont, J-tree rock will do it for you. quickly.)